l*2nu  D"mni22Y 

#3SO 


Houston,  Texas,  Nov.  20th,   1864, 

To  the  Senators  and  Representative*  in  Congress, 

from  the  State  of  Texas: 

1  deem  it  my  duty  to  lay  before  you  a  brief  statement  of  the  origin  and 
•operations  of  the  late  Texas  Cotton  Office,  established  by  the  orders  of  Gen- 
vral  Smith,  for  the  military  service  in  this  Department  There  are  now 
outstanding  obligations  of  that  Office  depending  for  their  redemption  upon 
the  action  of  Congress,  and  it  devolves  appropriately  upon  me  to  make  the 
explanations  necessary  to  a  correct  understanding  of  their  claim  on  your 
consideration.  To  accomplish  this  satisfactorily,  it  will  be  necessary  to 
review  the  condition  and  circumstance^  which  led  to  its  organization. 

The  commencement  of  the  war  found  Texas  in  possession  only  of  the 
arms  and  munitions  then  in  the  hands  of  the  C  S.  troops,  or  deposited  in 
the  arsenals,  and  without  manufacturing  establishments  to  produce  them,  or 
in  fact  any  <u  the  supplies  for  a  lone  war.  The  arms  were  issued  to  the 
troops  first  organized,  and  were  carried  to  Arkansas,  Missouri  and  beyond 
the  Mississippi  river.  No  reserve  of  arms  was  left  in  the  State  Very  few 
have  been  received  from  the  other  side  of  the  Mississippi,  doubtless  because 
of  the  difficulty  of  transfer  to  this  side,  and  the  pressing  necessities  else- 
where. It  became  apparent  at  an  early  day  in  the  war  that  this  Depart* 
inent  must,  from  the  force  of  circumstances,  be  self-sustaining.  Contracts 
were  made  at  Richmond  for  supplies  of  foreign  production  for  this  Depart- 
ment at  such  high  prices,  payable  in  Cotton  at  low  figures,  as  induced  the 
belief  that  the  large  margin  of  pro!it  to  the  contractors  would  secure  their 
introduction.  Contracts  were  also  madeby  the  Chiefs  of  the  Military  Supply 
department  here  on  terms  most  favorable  to  the  contractor.  It  is  enough  to 
say  of  these  contracts  that  not  live  per  centum  of  their  aggregate  has  ever 
reached  this  country.  The  officers  who  made  these  contracts  endeavored  to 
provide  for  the  fulfilment  of  the  Government  obligations  by  authorizing  the 
purchase  of  Cotton  with  Confederate  currency,  then  not  greatly  depreciated. 

It  is  not  possible  to  speak  with  entire  accuracy,  but  it  was  commonly  sup- 
posed that  the  Agents  appointed  for  the  -purpose,  purchased  Cotton  in  large 
amounts  in  the  early  stage  of  their  operations,  and  at  low  prices,  but  event- 
ually their  competition  with  private  traders,  and  with  each  other,  resulted  in  an 
increased  value  for  Cotton  ; — speculation  became  rife,  it  soon  became  appar- 
ent that  of  the  large  amount  of  Cotton  bought,  the  Government  owned 
very  little.  To  confine  the  operations  to  one  officer,  Major  Hart  was 
appointed  purchasing  Quartermaster  and  sent  to  Texas  with  instructions  to 
buy  Cotton  and  exchange  it  for  supplies.  It  was  doubtless  the  design  of 
the  Government  to  charge  Major  Hart  with  this  duty  exclusively,  and  to 
prevent  competition  with  him  by  its  own  officers.  This  was  not  done,,  and 
without  enquiring  further,  is  sufficient  to  explain  the  failure  by  him  to  fulfill 


the  designs  contemplated  in  his  appointment,  and  the  consequent  increase  of 
the  contusion  and  difficulty. 

Iu  the  meantime,  our  cont'giity  to  Mexico,  whose  circulation  has  always 
been  iu  specie  ;  the  facility  with  which  our  people  could  take  their  Cotton  to 
the  border  where  the  foreign  trader  stood  laden  with  hard  money  and 
luxuries  inviting  an  exchange  ;  the  strong  outside  pressure  for  Cotton, 
bring. rig  the  purchaser  almost  t>>  our  doors,  when  contrasted  with  the 
gradual  but  constant  depreciation  of  the  currency  of  the  country,  with 
which  alone  Government  purchases  could  be  made,  presented  temptations 
too  strong  to  be  resisted,  and  the  roads  leading  to  Mexico  were  thronged 
with  cotton  wago-is. 

The  consequent  depletion  of  the  country  of  the  resources  through  which 
alone  it  could  hope  to  procure  the  supplies  so  much  needed,  at  length 
induced  the  prohibition,  by  the  military  authorities,  of  the  exportation  of 
Cotton,  except  under  certain  restrictions.  Impressments  were  threatened 
and  iu  some  instances  enforced  agiinst  parties  attempting  to  violate  these 
instructions,  aggravating  the  abuse,  however,  in  that,  while  some  suffered 
impressment,  otiiers  were  always  exempt.  Rvery  pretext  was  devised  for 
evading  the  regulations,  and  in  many  instances  with  success,  while  some, 
aimed  with  military  orders,  procured  permits  to  export  Cotton,  obtained- 
details  of  conscript  teamsters,  loudly  proclaimed  their  connection  with  the 
Government,  until  the  Cotton  arrived  at  a  market,  when  it  would  appear 
that  the  Cotton  exported  ostensibly  on  Government  account,  was  and  always 
had  been  private  property.  The  indignation  of  the  people  was  great;  not  be- 
ing able  to  discriminate  between  faithful  and  dishonest  agents,  they  charac- 
terized the  entire  operations  of  the  Government  in  Cotton  as  dishonest,  re- 
fused to  sell  their  Cotton,  and  withdrew  their  support  from  all  schemes  of 
supply. 

in  this  crisis  the  arrival  of  ships  at  the  Rio  Grande  with  supplies,  nude 
it  necessary  to  provide  Cotton  for  their  payment?.  The  Government  had 
no  Cotton  at  the  point  where  it  was  needed,  and  its  deposits  in  the  inferior 
were  too  remote  to  be  made  available.  The  alternative  of  impressment  pre- 
sented itself,  and  an  order  was  issued  directing  the  seizure  of  20  per  cent. 
of  all  the  Cotton  arriving,  or  to  arrive  on  the  Kio  Grande.  This  order  was 
enforced  to  some  extent,  and  the  parties  who  suffered  impressment  then  still 
hold  their  claims  unsatisfied.  Some  modiiications  were  attempted  without, 
however,  providing  the  means  of  payment  for  supplies  arriving  and  expected. 

The  changing  policy  created  distrust  and  dissatisfaction.  The  uncer- 
tainty atteuditig  the  transportation  of  Cotton  prevented  foreigners  from 
introducing  supplies.  Contederate  currency  had  no  value  outside  our  limits 
and  barely  an  appreciable  value  within.  It  could  only  be  made  available  to 
the  extent  of  its  possible  inve  t.neat  in  Cotton  as  a  mj  lium  of  exch  nge,  and 
until  the  exportation  of  Cotton  could  be  secured  to  its  holder  the  Cotton  as 
well  as  the  uiouey  became  absolutely  valueless.  Cotton  at  this  time  could 
have  been  purchased  freely  at  about  three  cents  per  pound  in  specie.  It 
became  evident  that  the  growing  wants  of  the  army  would  soon  reach  actual 
destitution  uuless  a  remedy  could  be  applied.  The  necessity  for  supplies 
being  immediate  and  pressing,  Gen.  Smith  issued  an  order  for  the  impress- 
ment of  one-half  the  Cotton  in  the  Department.  The  order  was  promul- 
gated by  Maj.  Gen.  Magruder  in  the  District  of  Texas,  and  Capt.  Udolpho- 
Wolfe   designated    to   supervise  the  acquisition  and  disposition  of  the  (Jot- 


ton.  Planters  and  merchants  alike  protested  strongly  against  this  order, 
and  expressed  their  willingness  to  respond  to  the  call  of  the  Department 
Commander  to  such  an  extent  as  was  actually  necessary,  but  required  that 
the  Cotton  procured  for  use  of  the  Government  should  be  placed  in  the 
hands  of  those  in  whom  the  c  untry  repo  ed  coutidence. 

After  much  discussion  as  to  plans,  the  result  was  the  organizition  of  the 
Texas  Cotton  Office,  and  my  appointment  as  Chief,  with  Messrs.  George 
Ball  and  James  S<uiey,  pr  minent  merchants  of  Galveston,  13.  A.  Shepherd 
of  this  city,  and  W.  J.  Kyle,  a  planter  of  Fort  Bend  county,  as  associates. 
It  was  thought  that  these  gentlemen,  who  were  long  residents  of  Texas, 
who  combined  a  long  and  familiar  acquaintance  with  the  people,  with  a 
knowledge  et  the  wants  of  tin;  Department,  and  the  means  by  which  these 
wants  might  be  supplied,  would  afford  sufficient  guarantee  as  to  the  faithful 
and  judicious  application  of  all  Cotloo  required  under  the  plan.  I  submit 
herewith  General  Order,  No.  198,  (A,)  organizing  that  Office,  and  the 
address  of  the  Board  to  the  planters  of  Texas,  (B,)  to  which  I  respectfully 
invite  your  attention. 

Upon  the  organization  of  the  Office,  the  main  question  was  the  means  of 
acquiring  Cotton.  The  expenditure  of  Confederate  money  for  Cotton  could 
only  result  in  Hooding  the  country  w.th  a  currency  already  greatly  depre- 
ciated During  the  spring  of  1864,  Cotton  commanded  $2  00  per  pound  in 
Confederate  money, and  it  was  useless  to  think  of  acquiring  an  adequate  supply 
of  Cotton  w.th  this  means.  Besides  it  is  to  be  stated  that  there  were  no  funds 
in  the  Department  for  the  purchase  of  Cotton,  and  none  were  furnished  to  the 
Office.  Its  plan,  therefore,  was  to  propose  to  receive  one-half  of  the  Cotton 
of  each  holder,  giving  to  the  vendor  in  payment  a  certificate  of  the  specie 
Yalue  of  the  Cotton  (C)  redeemable  as  Congress  might  provide.  The  other 
half  of  the  Cotton,  of  equal  quality  with  that  surrendered  to  the  Office,  t) 
be  exempt  from  military  impressment)  its  exportation  secured,  and  its 
transportation  protected  by  a  certificate  (I)  )  guaranteeing  its  safety  from 
molest ation.  1  do  not  discuss  the  question  of  the  right  of  impressment 
when  applied  to  Cotton.  That  right,  however,  was  claimed  and  exercised 
by  the  L.eutenant  General  Commanding  the  Department,  and  all  Cotton 
held  practically  subject  to  it,  and  I  desire  to  convey  clearly  the  importance 
of  the  guarantee  against  impressment  to  all  parties  who  sold  their  Cotton  to 
the  Office  by  virtue  of  General  Order,  No.  19S,  which  expressly  declared 
that  such  Cott  n  should  not  be  molested,  and  which  all  military  officers  were 
bound  to  observe.  My  cei  t.ficate  of  exemption  became  thus  a  substantial  pro- 
tection, and  gave  an  immediate  increase  of  value  to  the  Cotton  so  protected. 
The  plan  was  generally  approved.  Cotton  in  a  few  weeks  rose  from  3  cents 
to  t>  cents  on  plantations.  An  active  canvass  of  the  counties  bv  energetic 
agents  resulted  in  contracts  forUrg;  ana  mnts  of  baled  and  nnbaled  Cjtton. 
The  baled  Cotton  nearest  the  Railroads  came  in  rapidly,  but  the  scarcity  of 
bagg.ng  and  ropeprevented  an  imm  jdiate  aecamul  itiOn  for  delivery  of  the  bulk 
of  die  <  otton  contracted  for.  Measures  were  taken  to  provide  this  material, 
and  it  was  hoped,  from  the  prospect,  that  the  future  supply  of  the  Army  was 
secured  beyond  a  contingency.  But  unfortunately  for  this  object,  the  Gov- 
ernor of  Texas,  at  this  time,  interposed  a  State  plan  for  the  acquisition  of 
Cotton  to  be  exported  for  State  purposes.  His  negotiations  involved  the 
purchase  of  40,000  bales,  and  he  adopted  the  plau  of  the  Cotton  Office,  in 
part,  by  the  exemption  for  exportation  of  a  like  quantity.     You  are  doubt- 


)fm  familiar  with  the  plan  of  the  State,  as  it  was  practically  enforced,  upon; 
which  I  oifer  no  comment,  beyond  the  facts  affecting  the  Cotton  Office.  The 
payment  in  specie  interest  bearing  bonds,  proffered  by  the  State,  offered  such 
superior  attractions  to  the  people,  above  the  certificates  of  indebtedness 
issued  by  the  Cotton  Office,  that  the  Confederate  States  soon  lost  control. of 
most  of  the  Cotton  previously  contracted  to  the  office.  Active  State  agents 
filled  the  counties  where  Cotton  was  most  available.  Under  the  superior 
advantages  they  offered  in  giving  details,  most  of  the  transportation  was 
monopolized,  and  the  Cotton  was  placed  en  route,  a  large  portion  of  it  being 
the  identical  Cotton  previously  promised  to  Government  through  this  Office. 
Under  such  adverse  circumstances,  the  Cotton  Office  acquired  in  the  six  months 
of  its  existence  only  15,000  bales,  an  amount  totally  inadequate  tof  pay 
the  indebtedness  incurred  by  the  Office,  for  army  supplies,  on  the  faith  of  its 
ability  to  obtain  the  Cotton.  Penal  enactments  of  the  late  Legislature  of 
the  State,  understood  to  be  aimed  at  the  Cotton  Office,  induced  my  asso- 
ciates to  withdraw  from  the  Office.  I  was  also  relieved,  at  my  request,  and 
General  Smith  deeming  it  necessary  to  continue  efforts  for  the  supply  of  the 
army,  issued  orders  No.  34  and  35,  (E,)  directing  the  impressment  or  pur- 
chase of  one-half  the  Cotton  in  the  Department,  and  Lt.  Col.  W.  A.  Broad- 
well  and  Capt.  C.  G.  Wells  were  charged  with  the  acquirement  of  Cotton 
as  indicated  in  the  orders,  and  my  functions  confined  to  the  purchase  of  army 
supplies  to  be  paid  for  by  theai.  Under  their  efficient  management,  the 
Governor  having  withdrawn  the  State  plan,  most  gratifying  results  have 
followed — a  large  amount  of  army  supplies  has  been  obtained.  The  army 
is  better  supplied  than  ever  previously.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  the  quantity 
of  Cotton  necessary  to  entire  payment  for  them  will  be  realized.  A  general 
synopsis  of  the  supplies  furnished  to  our  army  by  the  Cotton  Office  and  Cot- 
ton Bureau  is  appended  hereto,  (F). 

I  feel  it  to  be  proper  to  state  in  this  connection  that  the  operations  of  the 
Cotton  Office  increased  the  value  of  Cotton  over  100  per  cent.,  and  made  it 
immediately  available  at  any  time  it  was  put  en  route  for  a  market,  pro- 
tecting its  movement  and  guaranteeing  its  egress  ;  Cotton  obtained — what 
it  never  had  before — a  certain  value.  They  also  advanced  the  credit  of  the 
Government  in  a  greater  ratio.  Importers  had  such  faith  that  promises 
would  not  be  made  by  the  Office  which  it  would  not  perform,  aud  of  the  cer- 
tainty of  the  application  of  all  Cotton  acquired  to  payment  for  supplies,  that 
the  supplies  were  offered,  and  could  have  been  purchased  to  an  unlimited 
extent.  I  claim  that  but  for  the  establishment  of  the  Cotton  Office,  not 
one-tenth  of  the  articles  named  in  the  list,  would  have  found  their  way  to 
this  country.  It  has  sustained  the  credit  of  the  Governmeut  at  a  time 
when  no  payments  the  Government  could  promise  to  make,  were  considered 
by  the  importers,  and  to  a  great  extent  by  the  people  of  the  country,  as 
any  equivalent  for  the  supplies  they  held  for  sale,  and  which  were  needed  to 
relieve  the  destitution  of  the  army. 

The  transfer  of  the  Government  Cotton  business  to  the  Treasury  Depart- 
ment will  soon  relieve  me  from  duties  most  reluctantly  assumed,  but  which 
I  have  endeavored  to  fulfill  solely  with  a  view  to  the  interests  of  the  army, 
but  without  oppression  to  the  rights  and  interests  of  the  people  of  this 
State,  according  to  my  best  judgment. 

Having  endeavored  to  place  before  you  the  true  position:  occupied  by  the 
Cotton  Office,  I  desire  to  urge  upon  you.  the  necessity,  for  providing  in  some 


adequate  manner  for  its  outstanding  certificates.  They  should  be  redeemed 
in  the  most  desirable  class  of  Government  credits.  Their  amount  is  incon- 
siderable when  compared  with  the  value  of  their  proceeds  to  this  Depart- 
ment and  the  country.  They  were  given  for  Cotton  at  an  average  of  12£ 
cents  per  pound,  considered  then  its  fair  specie  value,  unaffected  bv  militarv 
or  other  interference.  There  should  be  no  depreciation  of  their*  value  bv 
paying  them  in  anything  less  than  the  best  bonds  the  Government  has  to 
offer.  If  they  are  to  be  measured  or  valued  by  the  results  obtained  bv  the 
Cotton  Office  they  cannot  be  too  hig  :ed. 

At  the  time  the  Cotton  Office  was  organized,  the  enemy,  over  :?0,00o 
strong,  were  on  our  coast,  and  of  General  Magruder*s  unequal  force  to 
encounter  them,  4.000  men  were  without  guns  other  than  such  as  some  of 
them  had  brought  from  their  homes.  There  was  not  powder  enough  in  the 
magazines  at  Galveston  to  have  returned  a  serious  bombardment.  Under 
these  circumstances,  I  devoted  my  most  strenuous  efforts  for  the  first  three 
or  four  months,  to  the  procurement  of  arms  and  ammunition,  to  the  negleoi 
of  clothing  and  other  stores.  large  per  centage  of  the  outstanding 

certificates  of  indebtedness  were  given  for  Cotton  used  in  payment  of  these 
arms  and  ordnance  stores.     Mar.  runs  and  most  of  the  powder  which 

gained  the  victories  at  Mansfield  and  Pleasant  Hill,  and  won  the  campaigns 
in   Louisiana    and   Arkansas,  were   procured    by  the    Cotton  Office.     Our 
now   well    armed.     The   medical,  ordnance   and   quartermaster's 
stores  heretofor  ve  relieved  urgent  necessities  and 

immediate  ap]  i  i  the  way,  I  trust,  for  the  supply  of 

the  military  bh        ..  to  the  best  advantage. 

The  force  with  which  ■  kept  the  eneiv  Rio  Grande  in 

check — the  ex;  I  ti&ville,  and  the  pres- 

ent force  which  now  holds  the  K  .   have  been  mainly  supplied  and 

supported  through  the  instrument  the   Cotton  Office  ami  Cotton  Bu- 

reau, which  su<  welve  months  |  utir'e  supply  of  the 

army  in  this  Department  with  articles  from  abroad,  has  been  through  their 
agency,* and  many  supplies  purchi  organization  of  the 

Texas  Cotton  Office  have  been  paid  for,  almost  totally  without- expenditure 
of  money  by  the  Government — trie  price  paid  by   (  tdwell  being,  in 

fact,  merely  nominal.  Over  17,000  bales  of  Cotton  have  been  furnished  to 
these  objects  by  him,  in  addition  to  the  15,000  bale-)  refi  Fred  to  above,  fur- 
nished 'by  the  Cotton  Office. 

1  deem  it  my  duty  to  state  that  the  original  plan  of  organization  and 
operations  of  the  Cotton  Office  was  known  to  several  of  our  members  of 
Congress,  and  I  supposed  fully  approved  by  them,  and  that  they  would  take 
steps  to  procure  a  provision,  by  Congress,  to  meet  its  certificates  of  indebt- 
edness, and  give  it  an  expressly  recognized  basis.  This  expectation,  in 
fact,  mainly  influenced  my  associates  and  myself  in  undertaking  its  duties, 
as  its  disappointment  was  our  principal  reason  for  not  continuing  them 
longer.  We  were  not  of  the  army,  but  of  the  mass  of  citizens.  Whilst  we 
recognized  the  supreme  necessity  for  the  support  of  the  army,  all  our  senti- 
ments led  us  to  desire  measures  for  that  object  least  oppressive  to  the  people, 
and  most  conducive  to  their  interests  consistently  with  those  necessities. 
Subsequent  reflection  and  experience  have  confirmed  me,  and  have  confirmed 
my  associates  in  the  conviction,  that  the  Cotton  Office  plan  contained  the 
best  principles  on  which  the  service  of  the  military  can  be  provided  for,  and 


i    i—    i    ,^  n 


the  interests  of  the  producing  classes  guarded  and  fostered  in  this  State.  It 
was  aside  from  my  design,  however,  to  volunteer  this  opinion.  What  I 
desire  to  do  is  to  urge  upon  you  the  justice,  the  good  faith,  the  imperative 
honor,  in  the  redemption  of  the  certificates  of  Government  indebtedness, 
issued  by  the  Cotton  Office,  a  list  of  which  is  annexed  hereto,  (G.) 

This  indebtedness  is  due  to  parties  who  rendered  a  patriotic  and  prompt 
response  to  the  call  of  the  chief  officer  of  the  army  in  this  department, 
made  through  the  Cotton  Office.  It  woufd  be  difficult  to  conceive  a  debt  of 
higher  obligation. 

I  leave  the  matter  in  your  hands,  trusting  that  it  only  needs  to  be  under- 
stood to  induce  Congress,  through  your  representations,  to  provide  promptly 
for  the  fair  and  liberal  redemption  of  those  certificates  in  the  best  class  of 
the  Stock  funds  of  the  Government. 

For  a  more  complete  exposition  of  the  necessity  of  the  organization  of 
the  Cotton  Office,  and  of  the  powc  conferred  upon  me  by  General  Smith. 
acting  under  the  impressment  act,  I  beg  to  refer  you  to  an  address  published 
by  me,  on  the  23d  May  last,  in  the  Houston  papers,  herewith  appended, 
marked  (H.)  w  JL  HUTCHINS. 

Late-Ch'f  Texas  Cotton  Office 
APPENDIX. 
[A] 
HEAD  QUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  TRANS-MISSISSIPPI,  I 
Shreveport.  La..  Nov.  22,   1883.  \ 

Special  Orders.  No.  198. 

I.  The  necessity  of  the  military  service,  and  the  preservation  of  the  Government, 
render  the  creation  of  an  office  to  take  charge  of  cotton  in  tha  District  of  Texas.  New- 
Mexico  and  Arizona  indispensable,  and  the  same  is  established  as  follows  : 

W.  J.  Hutc&ins  is  assigned  to  duty  in  the  Quartermaster^  Department  with  the  rank 
and  pay  of  Lieut.  Colon*!,  to  take'  charge  of  cotton  for  the  Government  in  the  Dis- 
trict of  Texas,  New  Mexico  and  Arizona,  and  will  be  allowed  each  associates  as  may 
be  necessary,  not  exceeding  four  in  number. 

He  will  obtain  from  the  planters,  by  sale  or  agreement,  all  cotton  that  the  Govern- 
ment may  require  for  the  purchase  of  army  stores  of  all  k:iMs,  and  to  meet  exist- 
ing liabilities  heretofore  accrued. 

All  goverhment  officers,  agents  and  contractors,  engaged  in  the  purchase  or  removal 
of  cotton,  in  or  through  Texas,  will,  without  delay,  report  to  Lt,  Col.  W.  J.  Hutchins. 
at  Houston,  Texas,  the  contract  or  authority  under  which  they  act,  the  amount  of  cot- 
ton purchased  by  them,  and  from  whom,  the  disposition  made  of  it,  and  the  amount 
of  cotton  and  transportation  in  their  possession  and  under  their  control ;  and  all  par- 
ties having  control  of  cotton,  or  cotton  transportation  belonging  to  the  Government, 
will  be  governed  by  his  instructions. 

t  In  future,  all  applications  for  the  making  of  contracts  based  on  cotton,  or  for  exemp- 
tions from  impressment  in  the  District  of  Texas,  &c,  will,  in  every  instance,  be  first- 
presented  to  Lieut,  Col.  Hutchins  for  his  approval.  And  all  military  officers  in  the 
District  of  Texas,  &c.  are  prohibited  from  making  such  contracts  or  granting  such 
exemptions,  except  upon  application  to  Lieut.  Col.  Hutchins  and  his  approval.  All 
cotton  now  or  hereafter  in  transit,  not  exempted  as  above  directed,  will  be  liable  at 
any  time  to  be  impressed  under  the  directions  of  Lieut.  Col.  Hufahins,  to  meet  and 
relieve  the  immediate  military  necessities  of  this  Department,  ^nd  the  District  Com- 
manders will  issue  all  the  necf;Ssa^v Orders,  and  render  all  the  military  assistance 
required  to  carry  such  orders  into  prompt  execution. 

Lieut.  Col.  Hutchins  will  control  the  disposition  of  all  cotton  acquired  by  him  for  the 
Government  in  meeting  the  existing  liabilities  of  the  Government,  and  in  the  purchas"  of 
army  supplies  through  an  agent  or  agents  designated  by  him,  and  approved  by  Lieut. 
Gen.  Smith. 

Lieut.  Col.  Hutchins  will  make  his  reports  through  Lieut.  Col.  Broadwell,  to  Depart 
ment  Headquarters. 

Br  Command  of  LIEUT.  GEN.  E.  KTRBY  SMITH. 

Guy  M.  Brvax.  Major  &  A.  A  G 


HBAD  QUARTER,  DIST.  OF  IfEXAS.  NEW  MEXICO  £  ARIZONA,  | 

Houston-,  Texas,  Dec.  1.  1S6:J>.  ( 

Special  Orders.  No.  327. 

VI.  In  conformity  to  the  above,  Lt.  Col.  W.  J.  Hntchins  Is  assigned  to  duty  as  Chief 
of  the  Texas  Cotton  Bureau. 

All  officers  and  agents  engaged  in  the  purchase,  or  removal  of  cotton,  in  this  Dis- 
trict, will  report  to  Lieut  Col.  Hutching,  and  be  governed  by  instructions  from  him 

Those  win.  have  contracts,  based  muni  the  exportation  of  cotton,  will  present  them  for 
revision,  and  those  who  In, Id  permits  to  eraort  cotton  will  submit  them  for  ratifica- 
tion, or  cancelment.  as  this  Cotton  Bureau  may  determine. 

Lieut  Col.  Hntchins  will  exercise  his  discretion  in  executing  any  order  noon  the 
subject  of  cotton  previously  issued  from  these  Headquarters, 

All  transportation  employed  by  the  Cotton  Bureau  is  exempted  from  impressment 
and  will  not  be  molested  by  officers  of  this  District. 

Bt  Command  of    *  MAT  SEN.  J.  BAXKHEAD  MAGRUDER. 

W.  A.  Alston,  ('apt.  &  A.  A.  G. 

HEAD  QUARTERS.  TEXAS  COTTON  OFFICE,  i 
Houston.  Dec.   1st.  1863.  i" 

In  coin,  imiiy  with  Special  Orders,  No.  19J,  from  Department  Headquarters,  and  the 
aboye  Order  from  the  Headquarters  of  the  District  Commander,  1  hereby  assume  con- 
irol  of  the  Texas  Cotton  office.  [  have  associated  witji  me  Mr.  James  Sorley  B  K 
Shepherd,  Geo.  Ball  and  W.  J.  Kyle. 

W.  .J.  HCTCHIXS. 
Lient.  Col.  and  Chief  of  Texas  Cotton  Office. 


[  «] 

TO  THE  COTTON    PLANTERS  OK  TEXAS. 

The  cotton  of  the   toumtry,  as  a    ba  hange   lor  the  various   army  supplies 

whwh  have  been  imported  into  the  country,  and  for  which  payment  pooldaol  be  made 
in  C.  S.  treasury  notes,  has  been  relied  upon  as  more  than  sufficient  to  meet  all  require- 
ments. Its  use  has  been  practiced  in  various  channels,  and  in  a  variety  of  modes 
winch  were  designed  to  procure  and  apply  sufficient  in  quantity  to  meet  all  the 
demands  of  the  Government.  Some  of  thesamodes  have  been  successful,  others  have 
proved  failures,  and  the  result  is  that  the  expectations  of  the  Government  have  not 
l>eeh  realized.  This  has  not  been  the  fault  of  the  planters,  who  have  ever  shown 
themselves  willing  to  contribute  their  cotton,  if  satisfied  it  would  be  faithfully  and  judi- 
ciously used  for  the  benefit  of  the  Government.  We  do  not  propose  to  lay  censure 
upon  any  one.  but  refer -mly  to  the  fact  that  the  chief  cause  ei  failure  has  been  the 
uncertainty  attending  all  cotton  operations,  in  consequence  of  the  various  and  con- 
flicting orders  that  have  from  jtime  to  time'  seemed  necessary,  and  the  existence  of 
numberless  Government  agents  engaged  in  the  acquirement  and  removal  of  cotton 
who  have,  by  competition  with  each  other,  and  with  private  contractors,  caused  the 
rate  of  sale  and  transportation  to  advance  to  such  exorbitant  rates  as  to  defeat  their 
own  efficiency.  I  nder  these  circumstances,  in  order  to  procure  the  amount  of  cotton 
required  by  the  Government  for  the  fulfillment  of  contracts  already  existing  and  the 
procuring  of  army  supplies  still  needed,  it  will  be  apparent  to  every  one.  that  some 
plan  must  be  adopted  that  will  secure  uniformity,  efficiency,  and  permanency;  that  the 
faith  of  the  Government  may  be  maintained,  supplies  of  arms,  clothing,  medicine,  &c. 
tor  our  army  in  the  field  may  be  procured,  and  other  private  citizens  engaged  in  legiti- 
mate trade  may  have  an  equitable  and  permament  basis  on  which  to  operate. 

Lt.  Gen.  E.  Kirby  Smith,  who  is  charged  with  the  militarv  defences  of  this  Depart- 
ment, has.  under  the  authority  of  the  Impressment  Act.  declared  the  use  of  the  cotton* 
ot  the  country,  to  meet  the  wants  of  the  Government,  a  militarv  necessity;  and  in  order 
to  secure  it  in  such  manner  as  will  best  supply  these  wants,  and  at  the  same  time  be 
liberal  and  just  to  the  citizen,  has.  with  the  approval  of  the  Secretary  of  War.  placed 
the  duty  of  procuring  cotton  and  regulating  its  transportation,  in  the  hands  of  a  special 
office.  The  undersigned  have  been  selected  to  discharge  the  duties  of  this  office.  We 
are  old  citizens  of  the  State-  our  every  interest  of  family  and  property  identified  with 
it.  and  the  cotton  trade  has  engaged  our  attention  for  many  years,  We  have  accepted  ttria 
trust,  not  as  a  matter  of  choice,  but  from   a    setae    of  duty     hoping  to   accomplish  to 


*onie  considerable  extent,  the  work  expected  of  us,  and  relying  on  the  frank  co-opera- 
tion of  the  planters,  many  of  whom  are  personally  acquainted  with  us.  We  have  the 
assurance  of  Lt.  Gen.  Smith  and  of  Maj.  Gen.  Magruder,  of  their  assistance  and  confi- 
dence. The  policy  we  propose  will  be  liberal  and  just  to  the  planter,  and  will,  we 
hope,  secure  their  aid  in  meeting  the  wants  of  the  army. 

Our  plan  is  to  purchase  one-half  of  the  cotton  of  the  planter,  or  holder,  and  on  its 
delivery  at  a  Government  depot  or  other  place  agreed  upon,  to  give  exemption  against 
military  impressment  for  a  like  quantity.  Under  this  exemption  cotton  can  be  held  or 
exported  at, the  pleasure  of  the  owner,  and  teams  engaged  in  its  transportation  will 
also  be  free  from  impressment.  For  the  cotton  sold  to  us,  we  will  give  certificates  for 
its  specie  value,  to  be  paid  for  in  cotton  bonds,  or  such  other  equivalent  as  Congress 
may  provide.  We  had  several  interviews  with  Senator  Oldham  and  several  of  our 
Representatives  in  Congress,  before  they  left  for  Richmond,  who  assured  us  that  they 
would  secure  such  legislation  as  would  meet  our  views  in  this  particular.  To  pay  for 
cotton  in  Confederate  money  would  only  increase  the  amount  in  circulation,  and  still 
further  depreciate  its  value.  These  certificates,  we  believe,  will  be  eagerly  sought  for 
investment.  The  exemption  and  security  of  cotton  from  impressment,  which  remains 
in  the  hands  of  the  planters,  cannot  fail  very  greatly  to  enhance  its  value.  We  also 
desire  to  avail  ourselves  of  all  the  transportation  in  the  country  owned  by  planters' 
and  others,  which  can  be  made  available,  in  delivering  cotton  at"the  different  depots', 
none  of  which  will  be  further  west  than  San  Antonio,  and  t'o  do  so,  we  propose  a  rate 
of  freight,  payable  in  cotton,  that  will  make  it  an  inducement. 

The  wants  of  the  army  must  be  supplied  at  the  earliest  date.  The  interest  of  every 
man  in  the  Department  is  involved  in  this,  and  for  a  limited  time,  individual  wants 
must  wait.  For  this  reason  the  one-half  of  any  crop  sold  to  us  must  be  delivered  at 
the  Government  depot,  before  the  other  half  can  be  removed. 

The  right  of  impressment,  provided  by  law,  belongs  to  the  Chief  of  this  Office.  If 
will  not  be  used,  except  in  the  case  of  those  who  are  so  unpatriotic  as  to  sacrifice  the 
interests  of  the  country  to  private  gain.  Towards  them  it  will  be  used  with  a  just, 
impartial  and  firm  hand.  The  necessities  of  the  military  service  leave  no  other  alter- 
native. #  All  cotton  attempted  to  be  moved  without  the  protection  of  an  exemption 
from  this  pffice,  will  be  liable  to  impressment  for  Government  purposes,  and  any  inter- 
ference with  Government  transportation  by  the  holder  of  an  exemption  or  any  of  his 
agents,  either  by  attempting  to  forestall  the  hiring  of  teams,  or  by  offering  or  giving 
a.  higher  rate  of  freight  than  the  liberal  terms  proposed  by  this  office,  will  cancel  said 
exemption. 

Agents  will  be  appointed  in  the  various  districts  or  counties,  and  at  the  Government 
depots.  These  will  be  selected  with  care,  to  secure  competent  men,  entitled  to  con- 
fidence. Any  delinquency  on  the  part  of  any  of  these  agents,  either  known  or  reason- 
ably suspected,  we  hope  will  be  at  once  reported  to  this  Office.  We  also  request  that 
all  persons  knowing  of  any  cotton,  bought  as  Government  cotton,  left  on  plantations 
or  elsewhere,  not  under  the  care  of  some  unquestionable  and  responsible  Government 
agent,  will  immediately  report  the  same  to  this  Office. 

Books  will  be  kept,  exhibiting  the  entire  transactions  of  the  office,  which  may  at  all 
reasonable  times  be  examined  by  any  person,  desirous  in  good  faith  to  understand  its 
operations.  W.  P.  Ballinger,  Esq.,  will  act  as  our  legal  adviser,  in  order  that  we  may 
avoid  error  ourselves,  and  hold  all  who  deal  with  us  to  a  strict  accountability. 

Planters  of  Texas,  the  plans  of  this  Office  are.  well  matured,  its  policy  will  be  per- 
manent, its  course  consistent,  impartial  and  firm.  If  proper  confidence  and  assistance 
are  extended  to  us  by  you,  we  feel  confident  of  the  best  results,  towards  thoroughly 
equipping  our  armies  for  our  defence,  restoring  and  increasing  Government  credit, 
checking  unlawful  speculation,  appreciating  the  value  of  the  cotton  in  the  hands  of  the 
people,  enabling  them  to  procure  their  needed  supplies.  Your  cotton  is  contraband 
to  the  enemy,  every  bale  falling  into  his  hands  is  seized  for  his  Government.  We  appeal 
to  you;  shall  there  not  be  united,  harmonious,  active,  efficient  co-operation,  by  devoting 
a  portion  of  your  cotton  to  the  great  duties  of  the  crisis,  the  successful  defence  of 
Texas  from  enslavement  and  devastation  ? 

WM.  J.  HUTCHINS,  Lt.  Col.  &  Chief. 
JAMES  SORLEY,    '  1 
W.  J.  KYLE,  A        •  f 

B.  A.  SHEPHERD,      f.     AssociaW3- 
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HEAD  QUARTERS  TSANS-MIS3ISSIPPI   DEPARTMENT,  I 

Siireveport,  La...  June  1st,   1  f 

TO  THE  CITIZENS  OE  THE  TRAN3-MI33I83IPPI  DEPARTMENT. 
I  "have  deemed  it  my  duty  a  General  Order,  directing  the  purchase,  and.  if 

necessary,  the  impressment  of  one-half  the  cotton  in  this  Department,  to  supply  tin 
pressing  wants  of  our  armies  in  the  field. 

Youi  for  the  defence  of  the  country  from  invasion  and 

desolal  furnished  you  a  signal  instance  of  their  willir 

tl  munitions  of  war,  clothing  and  mel. 
'hey  cannot  he  kept  in  the  field.     These  articles  can  be  obtained  only  by  importation. 
Cotton  is  the  sole  means  of  purchase.     In  the  same  lofty  spirit  of  patriotism  v 
'eads  lives  for  your  protection,  will  you  not  sell 

to  the  made  effective  a| 

the  publi  ■  y  r 

Th*1  impressment  of  I  be  avoided  if  possible.    But  supplies  for  the  armv 

mustbehad.     It  is  left  with  yon  to  <:■  whether,  for  the  preservation  of  your 

homes,  jr<iu  will  force  the  government  to  resort  to  impressment! 

E.  KIRBY  SMITH. 

General  Commanding. 


EPARTME&T,  j 

Shrevepoilt,  La..  June  1st,  1864.  [ 

Gejter 

The  pressing  necessity  of  the  armies  in  the  field  make  it  absolutely  necessary  thai 
the  Govern  one-half  the  cotton  in  this  Department,  for  the  purchase  of 

naval  and  mi':.  required  for  the  defence  of  the  country. 

Disi  roper  bonded  and  con  I  officers  have  been  selected,  who  will 

the  amount  required. 
If  it  can:,  i  be  obtained  by  purchase,  they  are  authorized  to  impress  it,  in  strict 
ccordance  with  the  terms  of  the  Impressment  Act  and  General  iued  on  thai 

tobject. 

Let  Commanders  will  furnish  them  such  assistance  as  may  be  needed  in  execu- 
ting this  order. 

Any  attempt  at  illegal  impressment  will  be  promptly  punished  on  being  rep 
with  satisfactory  proof,  to  District  or  Department  Head  Quarters. 
The  following  i  •  charged  v.  ecution  of  this  Order 

Major  A.  S.  Cabell, 
Major  W.  P.  Baughk, 
Capt.  F.  J.  Lynch, 
All  cotton  procured  by  them  in  Texas,  will  be  placed  under  the  control  of  Lieu' 
Col.  W.  J.  Hutchins,  who  will  use  it  solely  in  procuring  army  supplies. 

By  C  Gkn.   E.  KIRBY  SMITH. 

S.  8.  Anderson,  A.  A.  G. 


Capt.  B.  Shropshire, 

Capt.  W.  W.  Bat 
Capt.  N   A.  Birge. 


HEAD  QUARTERS  TRANS  MISSISSIPPI  DEPARTMENT,  I 
Shreveport,  La  ,  June  4th.  1864.  | 

General  Orders,  No.  35. 

I.  The  following  regulations  of  the  overland  trade  to  Mexico  are  published  for  the 
information  of  all  concerned  : 

Sec.  1st.  All  cotton,  tobacco,  military  or  naval  stores,  sugar,  molasses  or  rice, 
intended  for  exportation  overland  to  Mexico,  must  be  entered  and  registered  with  the. 
Collector  of  Customs  at  one  of  the  established  ports  of  entry,  and  receive  a  permit 
from  him  after  payment  of  export  duties. 

2d.  Such  permit  shall  only  be  granted  by  the  Collector  upon  the  certificate  issued 
by  a  bonded  and  commissioned  officer  of  the  Government,  to  be  hereafter  designated, 
and  stationed  at  San  Antonio,  Texas.  Such  certificate  shall  be  issued  upon  an  affidavit 
of  the  party  applying  for  it,  accompanied  with  a  sworn  list  of  the  articles  to  be 
exported  stating  the  point  of  exportation,  to  the   effect  that   the   articles  so   to   be 


12 

exported  are  the  aole  and  exclusive  property  of  the  Confederate  States  Government 
or  of  some  State  of  the  Confederacy,  and  are  to  be  exported  on  the  sole  account  of 
said  Government  or  State,  and  that  no  third  party  has  any  pecuniary  interest  therein 
except  for  freight  Wages,  the  amount  of  which  shall  be  stated  in  said  affidavit  which 
said  affidavit  and  list  shall  be  filed  and  preserved  among  the  records  of  such  office 
and  a  duplicate  of  said  certificate  and  list  is  to  be  forwarded  to  the  Collector  of  the 
point  of  exportation,  for  his  information. 
3d.  Any  person  violating  the  above,  will  be  liable  to  the  penalties  declared  bylaw. 
-1th.  All  persons  introducing  machinery  and  mechanical  and  agricultural  implements 
m  the  Confederate  States,  upon  making  proof  to  the  officer  at  San  Antonio',  by  the 
certificate  of  the  Collector,  of  the  introduction  of  the  machinery.  &c,  into  the  Confed- 
erate States,  or  its  arrival  at  the  port  of  entry,  that  officer  will  allow  a  sufficient  quan- 
tity cf  cotton  to  pay  for  the  same  to  go  forward  to  the  port  of  entrv. 

5th.  All  persons  to  whom  the  Government  has  furnished  any  of  "the  articles  named 
in  the  first 
ered,  or 
any  cf 

furnished  by  the  Government,  in  exchange  for  army  supplies,  or  to  export  a  like 
amount  of  the  article  so  delivered  to  the  Government.  The  permit  of  the"  Collector 
to  be  based  upon  the  certificate  to  that  effect  of  the  bonded  and  commissioned  officer 
at  San  Antonio,  which  said  certificate  shall  be  based  upon  the  receipt  in  the  first 
instance  of  a  bonded  and  commissioned  officer,  that  the  army  supplies  were  actuallv 
deiivered  to  him  for  the  Government,  and  in  the  other,  that  a  like  amount  of  the 
article  to  be  exported  had  actually  been  delivered  u>  him,  also  for  the  Government. 
II.  '1  he  commanding  officers  of  districts  will  furnish,  on  the  application  of  the  officer 
at  San  Antonio,  and  Collectors  of  the  different  ports  of  entry,  such  mounted  force  as 
may  be  necessary  to  ensure  a  compliance  with  these  regulations. 

•IP'i!rhe  Chief  °f  the  Cotton  Bureau  for  the  Trans-Mississippi  Department  is  charged 
with  the  exportation  of  all  cotton  belonging  to  the  Confederate  Government,  and  the 
introduction  of  supplies  for  the  use  of  the  Department. 

IV.  Major  Asa  H.  Willie,  C.  S.,  P.  A.  C.  S.,  will  be  stationed  at  San  Antonio,  Texas. 
and  charged  witn  the  duties  prescribed  in  the  above  regulations; 

By  Command  of  Gen.  e.  KIBBY  SMITH. 

S.  S.  Anderson,  A.  A.  G. 

HEAD  QUARTERS  TRANgj  MISSISSIPPI  DEPARTMENT,  j 
Houston,  June  20'h,  1864.  f 

Generai^-I  have  instructed  the  Chief  of  the  Cotton  Bureau,  who  is  charged  with 
the  procurement  of  cotton  for  military  purposes,  to  propose  liberal  terms  to  the 
holders  of  cotton,  and  endeavor,  if  possible,  to  avoid  any  resort  to  harsh  measures. 

Should  any  decline  to  accept  the  terms  proposed,  which  will  be  uniform,  and  ten- 
dered alike  to  all,  their  names  will  be  forwarded  to  your  Head  Quarters,  and  you  will 
instruct  your  Chief  of  Staff,  Brig.  Gen.  J.  E.  Slaughter,  to  cause  the  impressment  of 
the  cotton  of  such  parties,  sending  discreet  bonded  and  commissioned  officers,  care- 
fully instructed  to  observe  the  impressment  law,  and  the  provisions  of  General  Order. 
&o.  34,  from  Department  Head  Quarters  on  this  subject. 

Yery  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 
„,    %t  .    „  fc  E.'KIRBY  SMITH,  General  Commanding. 

To  Maj.  Gen.  J.  B.  Magp.uder, 

Com'dg  Pist,  of  Texas.  Arizona  and  New  Mexico,  Houston. 


13 


[B1] 


Army  Supplies  purchased  by  the  Texas  Cotton  Office,  for  the  use  of  the  C.  S.  Army.  7V/;>*. 
Mississippi  Department,  delivered  and  in  course  of  delivery. 


STATIONERY. 
935  Renins  Foolscap  Paper. 
£,718  Reams  Letter  Paper. 
643  Reams  Note  Paper. 
M  Letter  Envelopes. 
27  M  Official  Envelopes. 
1,095  Quires  Blank  Books. 
715  Clink  Books  assorted. 
21  Dozen  Mem'd  Books. 
35  Letter  Bonks. 
35  Certificate  Books. 
647  M  Print.'. 1   Blanks. 
31  Reams  Blanks. 
363  Bottles  Ink. 
18  Boxes  Ink. 
649  Cross  Steel  Pens. 
65  Crus  Lead  Pencils. 
$3,500  Cost  of  articles  not  enumerated. 

CLOTHINQ  AND  MATERIALS. 
2,472  Pairs  Cottonade  and  Mixed  Pants. 
44(>  Cotton  and  Woolen  Drawers. 
458  Flannel  Blonsea  and  Jackets. 
10.^80  Cotton  and   Flannel   under  and  over 
Shirts. 
252  Hospital  Skirts. 
85,456  Yards  Cotton  Goods. 
71,253  Yards  Cottonados,  Ihmims  and  Drills. 
10,024  Yards  Linen  and  Mixed   Linen   and 

Cotton  Goods. 
10,670  Yards    Mixed    Cotton    and    Woolen 

Goods. 
71,432  Yards  Satinets  and  Woolen  Goods. 
57,341  Yards  Grey  Army  Cloth. 
21,885  Varus  assorted  Flannels, 
and  1  case,  7  bales  assorted  Flannels. 
21,359  Pairs  assorted   Cotton    and    Woolen 

Socks. 
9,749  Pairs  Blankets. 
1,157  Wool  Hats. 
16,&8l  Yards  Mosquito  Netting. 
1  Case 

1  Bale 

1.740  Libs.  Linen  Thread. 
714  Dozen  Spool  Thread. 

2  Cases      ••  " 
2,000  Gross  Military  Buttons. 

44,099  Pairs  Shoes  and  Boots. 
163  M  Needles. 

HOSPITAL  AND  MEDICAL  STORES. 
4,481  Ounces  Quinine,  and 
$80,000  of  various  Invoices. 

COMMISSARY  STORES. 
10,730  Lbs.  Coffee. 
64,976  Lbs.  Salt. 
14,000  Lbs.  Salt  Pork. 
7,300  Lbs.  Rice. 
400  Lbs.  Tea,  &c,  &c. 

SADDLERS'  AND  SHOEMAKERS' 
STORES,  cvc. 
13-,300  Lbs.  assorted  Leather. 
421  Calf  Skins. 
41  h  Dozen  Kip  Skins. 
297  Lbs.        "      " 


14a  Sets  Harness. 
50  Saddles. 
10,000  Lbs.  Log  and  Harness  Chains. 

50  Doz.  Halter  Chains. 
41,855   Lbs.  Trace  Chains. 

649  Pairs    " 

7  Casks   "  " 
2,213  Curry  Combs. 

306  Horse  Brushes. 

51  Doz.  Pair  Harries. 
14  Doz.  Bridle  Bits. 

8  Casks  Saddlers'  Hardware. 
3  Cases 

$8,000  Cost  Saddlers'  &  Shoemakers'  Tools, 
not  enumerated,  ftc.,  <vc. 

QUARTERMASTERS'  STORES. 
2,116  Axes. 
421  Pick  and  Foot  Adzes. 
371  Doz.  Shovels  and  Spades. 
62  Doz.  Hoes, 
112  Boxes  Tin. 
95  l>oz.  Sauce.  Frying  &  Camp  Kettles. 
130  Tons  Bar,  Sheet  and  Hoop  Iron. 
1,500  Lbs.  Iron  Wire  and  Nail  Rod. 
11,897  Lbs.  Bar  and  Cast  Steel. 
32,000  Lbs.  Horse  and  Mule  Shoes. 
1,433  Lbs.  Horse  Shoe  Nails. 
911  Kegs  Nails. 
85  Kegs  Nail  Spike3. 
737  Lbs.  Iron  Rivets. 
6.4">4  Lbs.  Castings,  Axles  &  Wagon  Boxes. 
2,040  Lbs.  Horse  Shoe  Iron. 
3:?  Anvils. 
0  Forges. 
12  Vices. 
2,135  Lbs.  Vices. 
.",0  Wheelbarrows. 
12  Corn  Shellers. 
12  Smith  Bellows. 
G86  Gross  Screws,  &0«,  A'C. 

ORDNANCE  STORES. 
Rides  and  Muskets. 
Revolving  Pistols. 
6-Lb.  Guns  and  Carriages. 
Bay  one!  s. 
Swords. 
Belts. 

Lbs.  Powder. 
M  Percussion  Caps. 
Lbs.  Lead. 
Sacks  Buckshot. 
Sheets  Copper. 
Lbs.  Copper. 
Reams  Cartridge  Paper. 
Yds.  Cartridge  Flannel. 
Lbs.  Sulphur. 
Lbs.  Alum. 
Lbs.  Copperas. 

MISCELL A NEOUS  STORES. 
720  Doz.  Assorted  Files. 
245,692  Lbs.  Baling  Rope. 
201,694  Yds.  Bagging. 
2,420  Pieces  Mexican  Bagging. 
4,008  Lbs.  Twine. 


14 


2,500  Lbs.  Oakum. 
1  Hawser. 
827  Lbs.  Cable  Rope. 
4  Marine  Compasses. 
3  Sextants. 
3,073  Lbs.  Paint. 

16  Kegs    " 
1,000  Galls.  Linseed  Oil. 


80  Galls.  Varnish. 
2,386  Papers  Tacks. 
2,237  Lbs.  Grind  Stones. 

120  Doz.  Knives  and  Forks. 
2,763  Sacks. 
1,067  Yds.  Sacking. 

1  Slide  Lathe,  complete. 
Force  Pump,  Hand  Trucks,  <fcc,  kc, 


N.  B.  The  foregoing  abstract  embraces  only  the  leading  articles  purchased.  In  ad- 
dition there  are  several  large  invoices  of  supplies  purchased,  in  Matamoros,  the  par- 
ticulars of  which  have  not  been  received.  Part  are  now  on  the  way  to  Louisiana  and 
Arkansas,  through  San  Antonio  and  Waco. 


Additional  List  of  Supplies  advised  as  being  purchased  and  shipped, 
the  foregoing  was  made  up. 


-List  received  since 


6,890  Yards  Gray  Army  Cloth. 

2,902  Yards  Satinet. 

2,995  Yards  Doeskins. 

6,949  Yards  Flannel. 
20,000  Yards  Drilling. 
52,800  Yards  Shirting  and  Sheeting. 
22,500  Woolen  and  Merino  Shirts. 

1,296  Pairs  Drawers. 


360  Pairs  Pants, 
8,325  Pairs  Blankets. 
18,100  Pairs  Shoes. 
2,976  Lbs.  Sewing  Thread. 
45,000  Lbs.  Leather. 
10,500  Lbs.  Sheet  Iron. 

44  Cases  Stationery. 
1,900  Yards  Tent  Duck. 


Abstract  of  Certificates  of  Value  issued  at  Houston,  Texas,  by  Lt.  Col.  W.  J.  Hutchiks, 
Chief  of  the  Texas  Cotton  Office,  in  payment  of  Cotton  purchased  and  disbursed  for 
supplies  for  the  C.  S.  Army  in  the  Trans-Mississippi  Department 


DATE. 


To  "Whom  Issued. 


No.  of 
Bales. 


Amount  of 
Certificates. 


DATE. 


To  Whom  Issued. 


No.  of    Amount  of 
Bales.  Certificates. 


1863. 

Dec.  21 

24 

25 

29 

29 

29 

1864. 

Jan.  4 


B  K  Butts 

W  Freidlander 

Jas  L  Pool 

J  Q  Yarborough  . . 

J  Cross  Jones 

RR  Fletcher...... 

Jack  Moore 

do      

Harbut  &  Whitfield 

SE  Loeb 

R  Baer 

John  Haynie 

WM  Sledge 

J  W  Simmons 

Saunders  &  Cohen. 

J  P  Shafer 

EP  Whitfield 

W  W  Lang 

R  Jones  

John  Ashford 

R&DG  Mills.... 

JWClaton 

SI)  Foot 

A  REasley 

R  Caldwell 

Posner  &  Collet . . 

R&DG  Mills 

do        

J  LPool 

J  L  Cuny 

J  W  Rout 

TWCompton 

H  Doran 

R  A  Shepherd 


25 

21 

71 

5 

35 
48 

35 

6 
37 
37 
16 
14 
45 

5 
11 

7 
150 
66 
36 
26 
89 
12 
52 

6 
16 
20 
114 
13 
39 
12 

5 

12 
22 
24 


$1,460  29 

1,250  97 

4,377  00 

265  50 

2,662  58 
2,502  18 

1,800  00 

301  73 

2,350  82 

2,330  44 

868  71 

1,016  56 

2,712  30 

375  33 

554  14 

244  34 

9,095  10 

2,763  52 

2,292  77 

1,185  63 

5,008  15 

646  02 

2,548  29 

436  15 

949  53 

1,089  81 

6,113  91 

873  08 

2,053  00 

650  47 

370  97 

872  97 

1,156  36 

1,155  02 


18G4. 

Jan.  30 

30 

30 

Feb.  1 

1 

1 


Marueheau  Bro... . 
S  L  Hohenthal... 

WKillebrew 

M  A  Brown 

Whitfield  &  Harbut 
Howard    &    Burk- 

hardt 

J  A  Arbuckle 

LH  Wood  &  Co... 

J  V  Dartique 

J  A  Haynje 

J  C  Smith 

T  W  House 

Sam  Maas 

JR  Brooks 

A  G  Compton 

J  W  White 

Darling  &  Meriman 

C  Caldwell 

Levi  Sterne 

J  W  Simmons 

A  C  Baker 

N  Matthews 

Levi  Sterne 

Joseh  H  White.... 
do 

J  TMcNair.   

Jas  Sorley 

E  L  Salmon 

W  B  Young 

M  Patterson 

ML  Stith 

V  Ackorman 

R&DG  Mills 

LH  Wood  &  Co... 


14 

24 
21 

5 
54 

10 
4i 
15 
49 

6 
12 
30 
25 

5 
27 
26 
31 

4 
30 

5 

5 

200 

24 

84 

16 

9 

8 
84 
17 

4 
82 

6 
85 
40 


&  72G  53 
1,155  02 
1,245  94 
334  81 
3,677  94 

630  80 
2,129  06 
699  53 
2,928  32 
343  00 
736  94 
,808  87 
143  52 
242  67 
,519  58 
,605  37 
,858  68 
147  71 
,664  13 
329  13 
320  13 
495  07 
460  24 
634  69 
797  65 
418  31 
499  29 
,060  38 
693  27 
234  47 
,837  72 
365  56 
415  07 
,752  59 


15 


DATE.    I     To  Whom  bSCSQ. 


No.  of 
Bales. 


Amount  of 
Certificates 


1864.     ; 

Feb.  10  CWhited 

lfi'J  R  McDowell... 
16  do 

16JJ  J  Scott 

10 'Lewis  Evans 

16  C  Caldwell 

20  A  A  Foster, 

SO  C  Ennis&Co.... 

"20;  do  

20  L  H  Wood  A  Co. 
20  H  1)  Rhodes 

22  W  I  Hutchins.  .. 

23  RM  Jones 

23|J  N  Harvey 

23  Jas  A  Harvey.. . 
23R&BG  Mills... 

24  Sam  Maas 

24'         do        

24  P  Bellinger 

25  EP  Whitfield  ... 
25  S  L  Hohcnthal....' 
25|Geo  W  White 

25  J  R  Brooks ! 

26  EG  DeLisle j 

26iGeo  Turner 

28  T  W  House 

89  W  Kellcbrew... 
2SHW  Q  Austin.... 

28  .1  G  Hunt 

:.  .!   McKinney 

29  John  Wolston... 
Mar.    4  T  W  House 

5  Myers  &  Jacobs 
5R&DG  Mills... 
5  P  J  Willis  k  Bro 

5P  P  McRae 

8  W  J  Hutchins... 

8  do 

9  J  M  Mitchell... 

9  W  GCounc-il 

9  .!  A  Haynie 

1  A  lxwds 

9  T  A  Jamison... . 


9  X  Matthews 

10  8  Heidenhamer..  . ! 

10  A  S  Tibbs j 

l!)  .i  S  Smith 

10  A  C  Baker 

10. 0  L  Battle 

11  R  &  I)  G  Mills 

11  Myers  &  Jacobs.. . 

14  SD  Foot 

14 1 J  L  Farquhar 

14!K.l  Redgate 

14JB  Coopwood 

lew  W  Claton 

16  S<;  lilies 

16  do     

16  S  Cayce 

16  Harbuts&  whitfifeld  I 

as  McLeod  

C  Baldwin  &  Co  ' 
171 J  S  Lewellyn.... 
IT!  do  ... 

18}  J  B  Napier 

Compton 

31  T  G  Banks 


8 
65 
36 

8 

5 

2 

5 
54 

6 
10 
63 
66 
46 

8 

16 

116 

16 

13 

8 

8 

57 

12 

10 

100 

4 
32 
16 

6 
20 
10 

1: 
6 
24.'. 
87 
15 
25 
45 
29' 

27 

10 

5 

3i 

33 

5! 

5 

63 

20 
111 
:;.' 
15 
150 1 

20 

1 

49 

35 

91 

8 

3 

3 

29 

8 

51 

23 


PATE. 


$    331  81 

3,188  80 
1,912  83 
519  21 
292  60 
128  80 
347  06 
3.324  94 

356  G3 
609  15m 

3,722  98 

4,297  4^ 

1,904  03 
393  56 
893  27 

0,033  00| 
851  01 
705  79 
595  2s 
451  61 

2,893  66 
602  86 
510  67, 

4,482  79 
135  92 

2,008  00 
829  82 

357  60 
1,236  21 

616  84 

035  TO 

1,0.55  05 

519  50 

14,001    IS 

4,883  37 

800  87 

1426  20 

3.171  10 

1.317  00 

1,716  05 

752  89 

3:52  84 

203  12 

1,96.9  84| 

352  79 

805  13 

53  25! 

280  90 

314  05 

3.429  35 

1.104  59 

079  74 

1.527  59 

1,004  43 

7,429  35 

319  20 

969  51 

53  50 

2,750  26 

1,468  57 

4,548  72 

510  25 

257  76 

138  05 

1.509  29 

305  67 

2,500  00 

776  53 


18fi4. 

Mar.  21 
21 
22 
26 
26 
30 
30 
91 
31 
31 
31 
.'il 
31 
31 
31 
SI 
31 
31 


To  Whom  Issueu. 


Xo.  of     Amount  of 

RllCS.  I  CERTIFICATE*. 


Apr'l 


May 


B  Frede 

W  J  Hutchins 

TM  Bugby 

C  Caldwell 

S  Heidenhamer... 

J  C  Smith 

do        

M  South  worth  &Co 

G  W  Moore 

J  A  Williamson... . 
WP  Matthews.... 
M  South  worth  &  Co 
C  Caldwell.   ... 

J  LPool 

R  &  D  Ct  Mills 

do  

W  Harbut 

N  Brown 

Jas  Coleman 

J  W  Simmons 

John  Wolston 

Ben  Stones 

Williams  &  Camp- 
bell  

J  LPool 

S  Sterne  &  Co 

J  &  T  Simonton... 

J  F  Irwin 

S  Heidenhamer.. . 

J  W  Dancy 

W  B  Crimes j 

J  L  Farquhar j 

J  G  Hunt ; 

T  JLvnch 

LHWoodt  Co... 

Hugh  Lewb | 

3D  Foot j 

E  Spencer , 

.1  M  Nations I 

R  Brothers j 

W-GhappelL 

A  C  Baker ! 

J  THolman ! 

E  Spencer | 

Jack  Baker 

Carried  &  Mitchell 

C  Wliited 

J  L  Williams 

do        

D  Rantdon 

B  Grimes 

J  V  Dartiques 

do 

do 
Frank  Haynes. . . . 

A  B  Easley 

C  Ennis  &  Co 

E  George 

Geo  Quinan 

Sarah  Robinson.. . 

8  D  Foote 

SM  Frost 

W  A  Montgomery 

W  H  Hardy 

H  Doran 

D  Burns 

A  A  Hammond. . . 
V  Ackerman 


7 

20 
20 

20 
15 
101 
6 
14 

1 

50 : 

6! 

3 

19 

139 

180 

•17 

6 

1 

32 
10 
10 


$  445  85 

1,166  74 

1,218  62 

941  63 

948  02 

438  92 

391  01 

880  27 

292  52 

342  60 

3,500  59 

277  55 

205  39 

758  85 

8,353  75 

10,800  00 

963  35 

381  49 

55  30 

684  8? 

031  28 

599  S2 


p 

4,582  37 

31 

829  79 

22 

1,224  05 

40 

2,146  70 

8 

378  47 

1 

43  04 

10 

724  39 

27 

1,653  42 

15 

942  95 

21 

877  40 

10 

581  91 

5 

210  39 

16 

993  14 

20 

1,037  63 

2 

108  12 

2 

95  2* 

1 

58  38 

- 

421  44 

i; 

.339  70 

6 

320  65 

3 

122  18 

24 

841  61 

1 

54  75 

20 

738  13 

141 

8,800  02 

18 

1,077  50 

8 

362  66 

11 

668  65 

51 

3,111  25 

49 

2,817  38 

100 

0,442  80 

19 

780  74 

6 

331  11 

14 

713  17 

is 

879  17 

8 

483  53 

1 

43  22 

65 

2,850  57 

28 

1,056  65 

8 

511  29 

| 

31  08 

0 

106  >;r. 

4 

136  00 

0 

8 

473  00 

lb' 


DATE. 

To  Whom  Issued. 

Xu.  of 
Bales. 

Amount  of 
Certificates. 

DATE. 

1864, 

1804. 

May    5 
5 

T  CCliett 

16 

$    772  92 

May  25 

25 

do      ... 

16 

799  74 

7 

BBPeck  &Co  ... 

21 

1,415  73 

27 

7 

David  White 

18 

689  70 

27 

7 

C  Ennis  &  Co 

6 

350  03 

27 

7 

John  Sam  on. a 

3 

100  72 

27 

7 

C  Caldwell 

4 

155  32 

27 

8 

Jonas  Johnson — 

33 

1,133  97 

27 

9 

H  Carroway 

1 

101  25 

27 

10 

R&DGMills 

43 

2,687  50 

27 

14 

J  D  Waters 

100 

3,665  90 

27 

14 

J  as  Nowlan. 

10 

859  15 

27 

14 

RRourk    

7 

377  84 

27 

14 

WS  Rogers 

8 

450  42 

27 

14 

Geo  Quinan 

9 

583  99 

27 

14 

J  C  Smith 

14 

577  17 

28 

14 

do       

9 

447  84 

28 

14 

Marucheau  Bros. . 

12 

'  455  85 

;         2-8 

15 

R&DGMHls 

35 

1,821  60 

28 

18 

WHCook 

8 

494  39 

28 

IS 

R  A  Reid 

16 
4 

812  45 
264  60 

31 
31 

•*     18 

R  U  Blossman 

18 

do 

4 

300  80 

31 

"      18 

do 

* 

344  85 

31 

"       18 

C  Villenenve 

6 

359  37 

31 

18 

Estate  R  R  Harvey 

37 

2,490  99 

31 

•      18 

H  Cromwell 

0 

281  40 

31 

18 

do          

11 

101  75 

3] 

19 

M  Miller 

9 
25 

589  07 
1,061  53 

31 
31 

19 

J  L  Stevens 

20 

J  C  Womack 

3 

129  60 

31 

20 

Labat, Tarrant  &Co 

80 

4,754  10 

31 

21 

J  Rosenfield  &  Son 

157 

9,428  39 

;        31 

21 

MS  Stith 

167 

7,207  12 

June   8 

21 

H  Garcia 

55 

2,853  55 

21 

21 

G  de  la  Gaza  . .    . 

69 

3,643  20 

;          24 

2) 

Gerson,  Cramer  & 

:          24 

Wolfe 

75 

4,553  25 

30 

21 

Posner  &  Collat. . . 

16 

796  3'/ 

30 

21 

W  P  Matthews.... 

9 

631  82 

July    5 

22 

P  J  Willis  &  Bro. . 

98 

6,253  83 

Aug  H 

22 

W  J  Hutching 

48 

2,858  27 

Sep   10 

•)9 

I)  WHodse 

3 

207  57 

lo 

22 

R&D  G Mills 

15 

847  11 

16 

22 

do         

11 

671  50 

16 

22 

do         

41 

2,476  75 

16 

23 

PS  Stockdale.... 

25 

1,597  07 

26 

25 

JE  Martin 

6 

401   25 

26 

25 

WHHBaldridge.. 

g 

290  50 

25 

11  K  White 

7 

414  54 

To  Whom  Issued. 


B  T  Plewellen.... 

B  W  Robinson.... 

J  C  Baldwin  &  Co. 

J  J  Caroth&rs 

A  G  Patton 

C  Coleman 

TGCnlpeper 

J  H  Harris 

S  D  Harper 

W  Franks 

FS  Stockdale 

R  A  Reid 

HK  White 

J  A  Van  Alstyne. . 

1  M  Camp 

Posner  &  Collat.. . 
do  do    . . . 

A  G  Compton 

O  M  Wheeler 

Flum  &  Bros 

Darling  &  Meriman 

R&DG  Mills 

WD  Mitchell 

J  WD  death 

Westley  Ross 

J  H  McGowan... . 

RT  Flewellen.... 

J  Baldridge 

\V  Vinson j 

W  S  Rogers 

M  Miller 

Darling  &  Meriman 

Geo  Quinan 

W  J  Hutchins 

C  C  Hearne 

L  H  Wood 

It  &  1>  G  Mills  . . . 

W  B  Anderson 

J  J  Hodge 

0  C  Hearne. 

Chiton  &  Miller... 

A  Wettcrmark... . 

Claton&  Miller... 

do  do   

do  do    

J  D  Adams 

P  B  Bailey 

do       


Xo.  of 
Bales 


16 

2 

11 

25 

5 

1 

10 

4 

15 

3 

9 

9 

10 

34 

9 

14 

6 

18 

15 

3 

1 

140 


6 

6 

17 

16 

6 

8 

9 

23 

10 

25 

26 

33 

50 

40 

19 

15 

34 

15 

17 

101 

25 

4S0 


Amount  <f 
Certificated. 


$  689  54 

92  57 

680  15 

1,750  00 
341  12. 
50  40 
493  73 
283  84 
841  06 
171  50 
570  82 
308  23 
414  34 

1,920  28 
370  34 
807  57 
244  24 

1,000  CO 

826  22 

188  55 

58  85 

8,350  00 
325  no 
323  97 
341  99 
231  17 
785  SI 

'852  2'! 
327  90 
436  27 
486  91 

1,034  74 
532  22 

1,750  00 
981  78 

1,585  50 

2,990  00 

2.391  30 

1,23.1  40 
916  58 

2,085  24 
875  30 
882  00 

7,747  82. 

1,450  4S 

26,358  It 

121  71 

145  70 


8,521  [$473,766  2C 


17 


Ceiiificates   of    Value   issued  at   San   Antonio. 


DATE. 

To  Whom  Issued. 

Xo.  of 

Bal  ■.-. 

amount  of 
Certificates. 

DATE. 

To  Whom  Issued. 

N"o.  of 
Bales. 

Amount  o* 

CkRTJFICATBs 

18&4. 

1864. 

Jan.     !» 

H  II  Holland 

a 

$  J38  33 

Mar.  10 

LG  Dean 

2 

$  158  20 

10 

White  &  Bullington 

A 

285  00 

14 

Maruchcau  Brs 

0 

331  80 

H 

P  Vevay 

4 

27:.  13 

14 

Tolsen  &  Sanborn 

< 

496  58 

1 

M  B  Smith 

3 

250  Si 

30 

G  W  White 

3 

123  00 

19 

Sanders  &  Colin 

15 

986  .v 

April  6 

[sham  H  Tennell 

19 

1.7-2  36 

1" 

I)  M  Peres 

3 

L51  37 

29 

J  R  Jefferson 

18 

•7-  (i  ' 

20 

H  D  Reeves 

1 

94  01 

Mav    4 

do 

29 

1.. 7  70  0  7 

25 

A  H  Eck  &  Co. 

17 

1,044  18 

11 

Redmond.  Vance  & 

29 

Bethel  &Ooopwood 

«) 

si;  03 

Brother 

7 

465  i  ••> 

Feb.    1 

Lippman&Kopper] 

1 

7.">  00 

11 

Vance  &  Bro 

32 

2,384  40 

1 

A  II  Eck  a-  Co. 

3 

2 2  2  B< 

11 

do 

32 

2,249  57 

1 

do 

1 

n  90 

12 

Phil  M  Curry 

22 

1,175  4a 

1 

J  Doran 

22 

1,893  63 

17 

ClatottA  Miller 

23 

1.2  18  43 

2 

James  H  Trendle 

1 

82  11 

21 

James  L  Lege 

4 

243  23 

2 

E  P  Palm 

2 

133  2  7 

24 

X  Mivblum 

4 

1 47  90 

9 

Rayless  Barle 

1 

61  20 

June  17 

CO  Ilearne 

24 

1,503  56 

1 

I)  McKennon 

1 

72  00 

2D 

•J  L  Poole 

29 

1 ,548  44 

Mar.  8 

Frank  &  Kirsch 

68 

4,296  00 

21 

C  C  Hearne 

8 

10 

E  Leonart 

:,1 

-      2£2 

400 

$29,705  65 

March  31... 

April  14.... 

'■      21   . .. 

Certificates  of 

..„BL  Hohenthal 

.  E  P  C\ec<T     

Value 
Certific 

Canceled* 

ate  170.   .. 

173 

179  ... 
188 

BALES. 

...     67 

...   133 

...   189 

...     18  

AX0T3T. 

.$    3,2 

8,086  62 

.     11,854  37 

>i      23 

. . .  B  B  Simma 

Justin  McCarthy 

. .  .  das  Arluickle..' 

. . .  ,J  W  Jockusch.. 

J  1)  Men  dies..; 

Lippman  &  Kopperl 

....J  Turner  &  Co 

. . .  Posner  &  Coll  at 

.1  \v  Jockusch 

.       1,128  00 

" 

"      30  ... 

May   •". 

"        B 
"     21.'/ 
"      27.... 
'•      27... 
"      27 

205     .  . 
206.... 
211.... 
214.... 
238.,.. 

239 

240.... 
253,.  . . 
265.... 
269 

. . .  150  

...     11 

...     50 

...   140 

9 
. . .  550 

...     50 

...  152 

13 

9,360  00 

700  70 
3,r.lo  25 

-.377   77> 

540  00 

.     33,000  00 

2.22s  7.7 
3.019  75 

June 

...PA-  D  G  Mills 

. . .  .Lippman  &  Kopperl 

.  ...T  W  House.. 

Total 

,192  75 

8  7  25 

"      21.... 

286 

...   2SG 

..   1855 

9,700  62 
$104,355  "1 

Abstract  of  Gotten  Received  by  Lt.  Col.  W.  J.  Hirrcmxs,  Chief  of  Texas  Cotton  Office, 
from  all  sources,  to  be  used  in  the  purchase  of  Supplies  for  the  C.  &  Amu/.  Tra\  s- 
Mississippi  Department. 

mOM    WHAT  SOURCE   RECEIVED.  *r-  OV  "*'  r!~- 

Certificates  of  Value  issued  at  Houston  for  the  purchase  of  Cotton 8,521 

do  do        do         San  Antonio  do  do     

Receipts  issued  at  the  agencies  on  the  Rio  Grande.  Ac.,  for  Cotton  pur- 
chased, and  for  which  Certificates  of  Value  mil  be  issued  on  pre- 
sentation of  the  Receipts,  about 

Cotton  purchased,  for  which  the  Certificates  of  Value  have  been  can- 
celed by  this  Office 

Received  from  Government  officers,  a  large  part  being  in  very  bad  or- 
der and  damaged 


460 


1 ,855 


3.4S9 


Tot;.!  Pahs. 


15.160 


U.  B.— Complete  returns  have  not  beer,  received  from  the  Rio  Grande',  and  therefor* 

the  figures  in  the  above  abstract  may  have  to  be  slightly  altere 
5 


18 

[EC] 

OPERATIONS  OF  THE  COTTON  BUREAU. 

Ep.  News— I  have  been  aware  for  some  time  that  much  misconception  has  existed  in 
the  public  mind  upon  the  subject  of  the  Texas  Cotton  Office,  its  origin,  plans  and  ope- 
rations; and  observing  that  action  is  proposed  in  the  State  Legislature  against  it.  I 
consider  it  due  to  the  people,  as  well  as  to  myself  and  associates,  to  recite,  as  briefly  as 
possible,  the  facts  in  the  case. 

Nearly  a  year  ago,  owing  to  the  increasing  price  of  cotton,  and  the  limit  fixed  by 
the  Commissioners  on  the  price  to  be  paid  by  Government  buyers,  it  became  almost 
impossible  to  purchase  cotton  to  meet  the  pressing  necessities;^  the  army,  to  furnish 
supplies  of  arms,  ammunition,  cloth ing,  medicines.  &c.  ;  no  other  means  was 
available  to  procure  foreign  supplies,  and, in  July  last  Gen  Magruder  received  orders 
from  Shreveport  declaring  the  cotton  of  the  country  necessary  to  meet  the  wants  of 
the  Government,  and  instructing  him  to  impress  it,  '  On  August  14th,  Gen.  Magruder 
assigned  Capt.  Wolfe.  A  Q.  M.,  to  duty  as  Chief  of  the  Cotton  Bureau,  with  full 
power  io  impress  cotton,  teams,  wagons, 'negro  teamsters,  &c,  to  meet  the  existing  Ob- 
ligations of  the  Government,  and  to  procure  future  supplies.  The  publication  of  (his 
order  caused  a  good  deal  of  anxiety  with  many  of  the  people,  and  various  gentlemen, 
both  planters  and  merchants,  waited  on  Gen.  Magruder,  and  on  learning  from  him  the 
urgent  requirements  of  the  service,  assured  him  that,  to  acquire  from  the  planters  and 
others  who  owned  cotton,  as  much  as  the  Government  required,  it  was  only  necessary 
to  inform  them  of  the  necessity  and  call  on  them  to  furnish  it.  especially  if  the  control 
of  the  cotton,  when  acquired, 'was  placed  in  the  hands  of  gentlemen  known  to  the  peo- 
ple, and  having  their  confidence,  no  other  objection  being  made  to  Captain  Wolfe  than 
his  being  a  stranger  in  the  State.  Gen.  Magruder  expressed  his  decided  preference 
for  this  plan  if  practicable,  being  reluctant  to  resort  to  impressment,  except  as  a  last 
resort.  On  Sept  1st,  he  released  Capt,  Wolfe  from  duty  as  Chief  of  the  Cotton  Bureau, 
and  at  once  commenced  the  organization  of  a  Bureau  on  the  plan  suggested.  He  cor- 
responded with  Gen.  Smith,  and  Gen.  Smith  with  the  Secretary  of  War,  on  the  subject, 
and  that  officer  approving.  Gen  Smith  published  Order  No.  198,  on  Nov.  22d,  and  Gen. 
Magruder  published  Orders  No.  327  on  Dec.  1st,  assigning  me  to  duty  in  the  Quarter- 
Masters  Department,  with  Hie  rank  of  Lt.  Colonel,  to  take  entire  charge  of  the  duty 
of  procuring  cotton  by  sale  or  agreement,  and  if  necessary,  by  impressment,  ordering 
all  oilier  government  officers,  agents,  or  contractors,  engaged  in  the  purchase  or  re- 
moval  of  cotton  in  Texas,  to  report  to  mo  for  orders,  and  giving  me  the  exclusive  au- 
thority to  make  contracts  based  on  cottom  to  exempt  from  impressment,  Arc.  with  the 
right  to  select  my  own  associates,  to  aid  me  in  the  management  and  discharge  of  my 
duties.  On  the  4th  of  Dee.  t  published  an  address  to  the  cotton  planters,  signed  by 
oryseli"  and  associates,  Messrs.  Sorley.  Kyle.  Shepherd  and  Ball,  in  which  Ave  stated 
plainly  the  urgent  need  of  cotton  for  the  government,  and  whilst  selling  forth  tin-  au- 
thority given  me  to  impress  cotton  under  the  sanction  of  the  Impressment  Act,  express- 
ed the  wish  to  avoid  its  exercise  if  possible,  and  appealed  to  planters  and  others  to  sell 
to  the  Government  one-half  their  cotton,  promising  not  only  not  to  impress  the  remain- 
ing half,  but  to  give  a  certificate  of  exemption  which  would  protect  it  from  impressment 
by  '*nv  other  military  officer. 

'  For  the  cotton  sold  to  the  Bureau,  instead  of  paying  in  Confederate  money,  which 
was  already  depreciated  owing  to  the  great  quantity  in  circulation,  and  thus  depreciat- 
ing it  still  further,  I  proposed  to  give  a  certificate  of  its  specie  value,  to  be  liquidated 
as  Congress  might  hereafter  provide. 

This  programme,  when  published,  met  the  general  approbation  of  the  planters,  and 
the  agents  of  the  Bureau  found  the  people  in  their  respective  districts  perfectly  willing 
to  respond  to  it,  and  to  deliver  one-half  of  their  cotton  on  the  terms  proposed,  whene- 
ver they  could  be  furnished  with  the  bagging  and  rope  to  pack  it. 

But  there  was  another  portion  of  the  people  who  regarded  this  organization  with 
disfavor,  the  army  of  speculators  military  and  civil,  and  who  began  at  once  a  furious 
onslaught,  sending  runners  through  the  country,  denouncing  the  whole  scheme  as  an 
unauthorized  and- arbitrary  measure,  telling  all  sorts  of  stories,  and  poisoning  the 
minds  of  planters  against  it,  They  are  still  persevering,  notwithstanding  the  Bureau 
has  never  yet  impressed  a  bale  of"  cotton,  except  on  the  Rio  Grande,  where  parties 
were  taking  themselves  and  their  cotton  out  of  the  country.  The  regular  traders,  who. 
were  pursuing  a  legitimate  business,  saw  in  the  plans  of  the  office  a  security  against 
frequent  and  arbitrary  changes,  and  have  sustained  the  office,  and  furnished  the  great- 
er portion  of  the  cotton  used  by  it 


19 

From  these  efforts  in  part  and  other  causes,  such  as  the  want  of  baffeine  and  rono 
the  severe  weather  during  the  winter,  but  mainly  from  the  intervention  7,7-  ♦?  £Vl 
plan  to  procure  cotton  for  the  State,  the  Sareau  has  not  SSSSwtWtaJ *Uk5flS 
amount  of cotton  needed,  and  it  depends  upon  the  planters  to \  ete n in7 w&or  thi £ 
will  furnish  cotton  to  sustain  the  Bureau,  and  prevent  iniim-m.nt   o    u l    1 1  ' 

force  the  Commanding  General  to  resort  to  the  only  re?oW?e      1dm    ,  Ton  !  X 
army  supplies  .mperatively  reqnired  for  the  successful  military  defence  of  tl    "   I 

[  have  had  noTeason  to  suppose  that  the   operations   of  the  Cotton  Office  worn  th* 
deemed  by  the  State  authorities,  an  undue  usurpation  of  power  or  injur  io      to  <      ! 
-  ttizens  of  the  State.     In  February  last  when  Gov   Uurrah  was     ,  T     ,         tr.ll,f- -?od 
the  State  plan,  which  he  was  then  inaugurating.  toSS^^fSfSSSl  oE?BS 
frequent  interviews  with  him.  and  believing  that    his    oronosed   id-m   /  ;  i         ?! 

would  seriously  impair  their  usefulness,  thfy  expressed  ^1  ,  w  i  '  ufKSW 
*•  military  supp!i,s.  most  urgently  need,,!  ft?  the  aefensf  o  Ks2£°2d  which 
could  only  be  procured  with  cotton  and  that  the  Cotton  Office  would  Se  its  Jem 
tions.  But  the  Governor  expressed  bis  conviction  of  the  good  service  they  were  I 
andhjs  <:>T>  thai  they  should  continue.  In  a  letter  fddreS to  tKvernor  on 
U»  3d  ol  the  present  month  1  said,  -i  understood  you  to  expres  von  ow  ;  p  ov-d 
of  Hie  Utton  Office,  as  the  best  the  military  could  do,  and  both  yourself  and  Genera 
Nichols  (State  Agent,)  were  urgent  thai  the  office  should  continue  its  efforte  to  ™,  r 
«otton  for  the  military,  -to  whi,  h  his  excellency,  under  date  of  the  loth  of May £ 
plied,  ••  Yon  are  right  in  stating  that  I  expressed  a  desire  thai  tho  CnH  n  *  ■;  ,  i 
contin™<  ^d  when  1  heard  Iron,  rumor,  thai  expresSons wer Tindul^d  h  "  '^ 
sons  purchasing  cotton  for  the  State,  displagtog  to  yoaTo^^ukedTfnS 
most  direct  terms,  though  my   information!  as  1   say.  was  .,,„,;,  *>{*** 

positive  instructions  that  no    war  should  be  made  upon  the    Mure-. ,,'  ,     ,'    V",,     g 
-nt  should  ever  be  made   the   object  of  which  wouW  ne  to^Tw^ftnelteteX 
fetter  for  the  vendor  than  yo urs.     1  w.sh.,1  the  State   plan  simply  explained  and 
parties  left  to  judge  of  its  propriety.     Even  in  conversing  with    planters  falwavs  di 
couraged  unfavorable  impressions,  as  to  the  bureau,  and  pointed  to  thee  in,  ,   t  b  '-   ■  een 
•  he  system  given  by  yon    to    the    military  control   over 'cotton,  and   he   •     f. is  on  i 
""lore  prevailed.     ,  on  can  see  from  this  whether  or  not  I  had  any  dispostttoTto  make 
war  upon  the  Cotton  Office.     I  may  be  allowed  to  assure  you,  that  I  Eecute        v 

than  bynupressment.     Ite  members  undertook  the  office  when  it   was  ur',,1  upon     ,'n 

I  ommanding  General,  feeling  much  personal  reluctance  ...  so  thankless  IkbT 

oua  a  ponton,  bn   impelled  by  a  stern  sense  of  public  duty.     La?g >  quantities ofootton 

>ded  to  equip  efficiently  our  armies,  and  if  the  efforte  of  the  ('  iM,       ^    ' 

t,  are  defeated,  either  by  penal  enactments  of  the  Stnte  nnthorifaTthfSiSC: 

JJf  of  the   planters,  whose  all  is  at  stake  in  this   contest,  to  sustain  us  wshaUvefv 

^eerfully  retire  iron,  our  onerous  position,  and  let  cotton  he  procured  as 'otoei suppUes 

are.  by  the  military  arm  under  the  impressment  Act  supples 

Of  the  Cotton ^acquired  about  one  fourth  has  been  paid  on  account   of  debts  due  hv 

W.  J.  HUTCIIIXS.  Li  Col., 
Horaxox,  May  22,  1864  Chi"f  TeXaS  C,>llou  Ufficc- 

''  News  "  2->'-         ' 


Hollinger  Corp. 
pH8.5 


